FOCUS: A look at race and kids in the state

This week, State of Opportunity presents an hour-long documentary on race, culture, and kids in Michigan. What’s the problem and why does it matter?

Jennifer Guerra goes into some of our state's high schools and finds them to be more segregated than one would think possible in the 21st century. She speaks with teachers and students about how race today shapes their experiences in the classroom and using restorative justice techniques to reduce conflicts. And we hear what students think about growing up in, what some claim, is a "post-racial" society.

What are you hearing about race from the kids in your home, in your classroom, and in your neighborhood? Help them share their stories with us. And come chat with us on Facebook when the documentary airs Thursday, May 2nd.

Education

Here are some resources to help you talk to your kids about race

Jennifer Guerra

Teaching is a political act. That's what Grand Valley State University professor Amy Masko believes. "What we choose to talk about in schools and what we…
Education

How one teacher talks about Ferguson

Jennifer Guerra

Teaching middle school students about what happened in Ferguson, or talking about choke holds and grand juries – that’s not part of Common Core, and it’s…
Education

A documentary on race, neighborhoods, schools, and kids in Michigan [transcript + audio]

Jennifer Guerra

TranscriptSTATE OF OPPORTUNITY: RACE documentaryJENNIFER GUERRA: It’s time to have the talk. I know, it’s not gonna be easy. Might get a little…
Education

RACE: further reading, viewing, and listening

Want to learn more about the topics featured in Jennifer Guerra's hour-long documentary on race? The State of Opportunity theme thought about what…
Families & Community

RACE: If you think we're living in a post-racial world, think again

Jennifer Guerra

It’s time to have The Talk.I know, it’s not going to be easy. Might get a little uncomfortable, maybe make you squirm a little.But it’s time; it's time to…
Education

RACE: A tale of two gaps - achievement and discipline

Jennifer Guerra

When I told people I was working on this special, one hour show about race, a lot of the reactions were along the lines of “race…hmm….interesting.” Like,…
Education

RACE: Students share their thoughts on race

Jennifer Guerra

Michigan has a lot to be proud of - top universities, the Great Lakes, a (now) thriving car industry. Having some of the most racially segregated schools…